Nascar News and Notes

Stewart’s- Soda or “Pop”? -Driver Tony Stewart will not face charges in the incident that occurred when he allegedly pushed a fan after the August Bristol race. A Sullivan County grand jury failed to indict Stewart on the charges that were reportedly also witnessed by a county deputy working the race for security. Stewart has had his share of run-ins both on the track and off. Earlier he was punished and fined by Nascar for an incident stemming from an angry outburst that left a reporter bleeding, as he was punched in the mouth by “Tony the Tiger” after Stewart was in a wreck in a race. He has also been reprimanded for his aggressive driving and behavior and was on probation last year, and was again placed on probation this season for his unprofessional behavior. Stewart admitted he has a volatile temper and “is getting professional help to deal with the anger.” Count Dale Jr. in – In a report earlier this week, Dale Earnhardt Jr. admitted he suffered a concussion earlier in the year that left him with lingering headaches and side effects all season. He stated he “took a few seconds longer than everyone else to get a joke, and my speech was slurred.” He feels as though he is recovering well. Junior kept the information from everyone including his teammates for fear “they would all be saying oh, he’s washed up. He’s finished. It could destroy my career. The sponsors would also question whether I was worth banking on,” said Earnhart. Jr. has been mired in a bit of a slump and has slipped to 14th overall in the standings. Some reporters have speculated “Little E” was using this disclosure as an excuse for his dismal season. His contract with Dale Earnhardt Enterprises and Budweiser expires at the end of the season and he has held off signing a contract until he can lower the amount of appearances he will make for the sponsor throughout the year. “I need more time to be with friends and family,” stated Earnhardt. Jimmie Johnson Has a Record – Jimmie Johnson has set a new record for the modern era of Nascar. With his win last week and his current position (2nd in points) in the standings, Johnson is the first rookie to ever be close enough to win the Winston Cup this late in the season. He has tied the record for rookie wins as well. His teammate, Jeff Gordon, is tied for most wins by a rookie. Junior Johnson to sign on with Viagra? Correction time- I mistakenly described a photo taken the week at the Bristol race as Felix Sabates, Junior Johnson and “his grandson.” Our crack staff did some investigating (thanks also to the guys at 411 Speedway) and found out that the young child, approximately seven-years-old, is in fact Junior’s son by a new marriage. Johnson is approximately 74 years old. He is a sweet young man, just like his father. I hope he can one day carry on the family name in the racecar.